Sign up for IQ Index
The latest industry news to your inbox.
Roskilde Festival, Sziger, Exit Festival, ARTmania, Coda Agency, wepromote, ILMC and more have lent their support to the pro-tolerance Take a Stand initiative
By IQ on 30 May 2017
More than 50 festivals, promoters, agencies and other industry stakeholders have announced their support for Take a Stand, festival association Yourope’s campaign to encourage ‘civic engagement’ in Europe.
Take a Stand, launched at Yourope’s members’ meeting at Eurosonic Noorderslag in January, encourages European festivals to use their events to promote “social togetherness, understanding and tolerance for all cultures, genders, races, religions, sexual orientations, colours and origins”.
Companies that have lent their backing to Take a Stand include IQ, ILMC and IFF; Romania’s ARTmania Festival; Coda Agency; Roskilde Festival; Nova Rock; Sziget; venues association Live DMA; Swiss promoter wepromote; the Greener Events Foundation; Exit Festival; Eurosonic Noorderslag; Melt Festival; the European Forum of Worldwide Music Festivals; and the Swiss Music Promoters’ Association (SMPA).
A full list is available at take-a-stand.eu.
“It is more than obvious that there is a need for a campaign aimed at raising awareness of, and encouraging, civic engagement”
“In recognition of the challenges of the European ideal, and the difficulties presented by the current political climate and social conditions for residents in Europe, it is more than obvious that there is a need for a campaign aimed at raising awareness of, and encouraging, civil engagement,” reads a statement from Yourope, which represents more than 100 European festivals.
“In particular, the festivals, concerts and live music events presented by the European music sector provide perfect platforms to [promote] awareness and recognition of the European ideal and its values.
“Europe has much more to offer than just border-free travel for artists and audiences. It is also now evident that there are new requirements and demands for the protection and confirmation of many of the European social achievements which have been secured over recent years.
“Pledging passion and engagement, Take a Stand appeals to all of those who are in favour of Europe speaking up for tolerance and respect, for open-mindedness and to actively display solidarity.”
Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.